Colourful and creative Basingstoke Festival returns for 2026

Basingstoke Festival 19th June - 5th July

Three Weekends, credit Paul Blakemore

What's On in Hampshire

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Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.

What's on in Portsmouth, Southampton & Winchester?

2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do.  The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront  — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.

What's on in the Hampshire countryside?

Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.

From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.

Gin Cocktail Masterclass at Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Top Events in Hampshire

Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.

What's on in Hampshire this weekend?

To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break. 

Staying overnight?

If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.

>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation

Hampshire events near me

The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island. 

What's on in Hampshire

Inspiration

  1. BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair
    1. 1 May 20263 May 2026
  2. Winchester Books Festival 2026
    Winchester is a city steeped in history and with…
    1. 17 Apr 202619 Apr 2026

Number of results:

Number of results: 169

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Owls by Moonlight at Christmas

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Friday December 4, Saturday 5, Friday 11, Saturday 12

    Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm

    Kick off the festive season with a magical evening with the Hawk Conservancy Trust's owls! They'll be flying their awesome owls under moonlight…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Dec 2026to5 Dec 2026Open 17:30 -
    From:
    11 Dec 2026to12 Dec 2026Open 17:30 -
  2. Wedding Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Friday September 11

    4:30pm-7:30pm

    Planning your unique wedding day? Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for an enchanting evening to discover what your dream wedding day could look like at the Hawk Conservancy Trust!
    Filled with wedding inspiration,…

    Dates

    From:
    11 Sept 2026Open 16:30 - 19:30
  3. Steamship Shieldhall Eastern Solent Cruise

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    The Palmerston Forts built around Britain in the second half of the 19th century represent the country’s largest ever defensive building program in peacetime. Ranging from small gun positions and bunkers to huge walled forts several acres in size,…

    Dates

    From:
    7 June 2026Open 11:00 - 18:00
  4. Golden Eagle Egg Hunt

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Running over the Easter school holidays, March 28 – April 12

    10:00am-5:30pm

    This Easter, fly on over to the Hawk Conservancy Trust for an egg-citing new trail – free as part of your admission!
    A giant Golden Eagle has lost her precious eggs while…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Mar 2026to12 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 17:30
  5. Ibiza Orchestra Experience

    Type

    Type:

    Concert

    Newport

    The Ibiza Orchestra Experience: The Final Encore This incredible 26 piece orchestra will be performing some of the greatest hits from the famous white isle, for the very last time!

    Expect an unforgettable night featuring:

    26 piece…

    Dates

    From:
    3 July 2026Open 18:00 - 23:00
  6. Mucky Weekender Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Winchester

    It's going to be a wild weekend this September as Dub Pistols bring their diverse mix of iconic acts to the festival at Vicarage Farm in Winchester. The 2025 line-up features Groove Armada, Fabio & Grooverider, David Rodigan, Alison Limerick, Don…

    Dates

    From:
    10 Sept 2026to12 Sept 2026Open 08:30 - 22:00
  7. Sam Garrett at Portsmouth Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Old Portsmouth

    Join Sam Garrett for a rare and intimate evening of live music inside the beautiful surroundings of Portsmouth Cathedral.

    Sam Garrett is an English singer-songwriter whose music reflects his journey through Eastern philosophy, meditation, yoga and…

    Dates

    From:
    3 July 2026Open 19:30 - 22:30
  8. Ventnor Fringe

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Ventnor

    Ventnor Fringe is a unique celebration of the arts, showcasing emerging and established talent across every creative discipline.

    Dates

    From:
    17 July 2026to26 July 2026
  9. Isle of Wight Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Newport

    The award winning Isle of Wight Festival is steeped in history and famed for mixing iconic legendary artists with the hottest up and coming acts.

    Dates

    From:
    18 June 2026to21 June 2026
  10. Spooky Owl Week

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Running over the October half term, Saturday October 24 – Sunday November 1

    10:00am-5:30pm

    Over the October half term enjoy an autumnal day out in the Hampshire countryside, surrounded by the beauty of nature as the seasons change, and the Hawk…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 17:30
  11. Angola's Birthday Bash

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Running over the May half term, Saturday May 23 – Monday June 1

    10:00am-5:30pm

    Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust over May half term as they celebrate their Secretary Bird's eighth 'hatchday'!
    The Trust are throwing Angola a week-long birthday party,…

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to1 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:30
  12. Simply French

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply French on Sunday 28 June 2026.

    Owners of all French cars are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the National Motor Museum parkland, for a superb day out for enthusiasts and owners.

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  13. The Romsey Show

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Romsey

    The Romsey Show takes place in September at Broadlands in Romsey. The Show is one of the largest one-day country shows in the South and is run by a large team of dedicated volunteers. The show provides a fantastic day out with something for all the…

    Venue

    Broadlands, Test Valley

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026
  14. Beaulieu Bikers' Day

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Beaulieu Bikers' Day on Saturday 6 June 2026.

    No matter what the age, make or model of your motorbike, the Beaulieu Bikers' Day is open to all. So pull on your leathers and ride into Beaulieu for a great…

    Dates

    From:
    6 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  15. Simply Mercedes

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Mercedes on Sunday 9 August 2026.

    All Mercedes-Benz owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the museum grounds for a superb day out for owners and enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  16. Easter Egg-venture at Go Ape Moors Valley

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Ashley Heath, Ringwood

    Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Easter with your family? Take on Egg-venture, a 'cracking' addition to Go Ape Moors Valley's Treetop Adventures. Combining high ropes crossings, zip wires and a seasonal trail, this special event adds an extra…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Mar 2026to12 Apr 2026
  17. Steam to the Solent with the Southampton Salty Sea Dogs Shanty Band

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Norwegian Sky and Seven Seas Grandeur depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on…

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026Open 14:30 - 18:00
  18. Bear Photography Workshops at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Sandown

    Step into the world of wildlife photography right here at the Sanctuary with our new Bear Photography Workshops — enjoy a half-day experience designed especially for beginners and keen amateurs.

    Dates

    From:
    4 Apr 2026to19 Sept 2026
  19. Cowes Week

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Cowes

    Since 1826 Cowes Week has played a key part in the British sporting summer calendar and is one of the UK's longest running and most successful sporting events.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026to7 Aug 2026
  20. Christmas Market

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Thursday November 26 – Saturday 28 | Sunday November 29

    3:30pm-7:30pm | 11:00am-3:00pm

    Enjoy the run up to Christmas with the Hawk Conservancy Trust's delightful, festive shopping experience. Discover beautiful gifts for your loved ones while…

    Dates

    From:
    26 Nov 2026to28 Nov 2026Open 15:30 - 19:30
    From:
    29 Nov 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00